Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $79,823 | |
| California | $72,187 | |
| Washington | $71,588 | |
| New York | $69,026 | |
| New Jersey | $68,656 | |
| Massachusetts | $68,236 | |
| Maryland | $68,173 | |
| Connecticut | $66,724 | |
| National Median | $59,730 |
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care — monitoring patients, giving injections, and recording vital signs — under the direction of RNs and physicians.
Meet the education requirement
Most licensed practical nurses enter the field with postsecondary certificate. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the NCLEX-PN license
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $39,422 and rises toward $87,206 with experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) salary: common questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) make an hour?
The median hourly wage for licensed practical nurses is $28.72, which works out to about $59,730 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays licensed practical nurses the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for licensed practical nurses at $79,823 per year — 34% above the national median of $59,730.
What is the salary range for licensed practical nurses?
Most licensed practical nurses earn between $39,422 and $87,206 per year. The middle 50% earn $48,381 to $74,065, with a median of $59,730.
Is becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 3% (as fast as average), and the role typically requires postsecondary certificate. With a median wage of $59,730 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.